Article Summary
- Hidden Door Store sells preassembled and unassembled bookcase hidden doors.
- Standard prehung bookcase doors are more customizable and easier to set up but pricier.
- DIY units are economical and readily available but require more time and effort.
Standard Bookcase Door vs Kit: Which One Should You Buy
Hidden Door Store’s bookcase hidden doors are available in preassembled or unassembled options. Although you can’t tell them apart once installed correctly, key differences affect their customization, operation, installation, delivery speed and pricing. Understand the unique features of the company’s standard bookcase hidden door vs. the DIY kit to know which one is right for you.
What’s a Standard Bookcase Door?
The standard bookcase hidden door is a preassembled product. Like other prehung hidden doors, Hidden Door Store fully assembles and tests it under simulated real-world conditions in a state-of-the-art workshop before shipment to ensure it fits its target rough opening. The unit undergoes a series of alignment, operation, balance and weight evaluations to confirm its hardware works properly over the long term.
If you order a standard bookcase door without any bells and whistles, expect these features:
- Sanded, unfinished, domestically sourced American hard maple veneer
- A left-hinged, outswing door slab that fits a 38-by-82-inch rough wall opening
- A manually operated catch
- Built-in appearance with flat crown molding
- Five flat 8-and-¼-inch-deep shelves
Left hinges and outswing operation are the default options. However, you can choose a different hinge side and swing direction at no additional cost. Keep in mind that this preassembled product does not include a locking system or cabinet doors.
What’s in a Hidden Door Kit?
Hidden Door Store’s kit includes all essential components for assembling your DIY hidden bookcase door, except for tools. Expect the following in the package:
- Sanded, unfinished, precut American hard maple wood veneer over an engineered core
- Specialized hardware
- An integrated magnetic catch
- A left-hinged or right-hinged, inswing or outswing door slab that fits a standard doorway within ⅛ inch or a 38-by-82-inch rough opening
- Five flat, nonadjustable 8-inch-deep shelves
Hidden Door Store’s bookcase hidden door kit comes with the complete set of hardware, including professional-grade adjustable hinges, mechanisms and mounting hardware.
Cost Comparison: DIY Savings vs. Turnkey Convenience
The prehung bookcase hidden door’s standard design costs under $3,000, while the DIY hidden door kit’s price tag is under $1,000. Although both products require some elbow grease, only the preassembled one supports a turnkey setup.
The DIY hidden bookcase door’s installation process may take about three hours longer since you need to assemble the unit first. Many homeowners underestimate DIY project timelines, so allow yourself some buffer time when planning your secret door’s assembly and installation. Maximizing Hidden Door Store’s instructional videos and engineering support can help you prevent and overcome setbacks.
Customers may find themselves saving $2,000 or more by choosing a DIY hidden door. While it may require more initial work, handling the assembly and installation yourself can give you a sense of accomplishment and help keep your secret room a secret. You’ll want to make sure to have an adjustable wrench, brad nailer, caulking gun, construction adhesive and electric drill. The more you have at the ready beforehand, the less you’ll spend on tools and supplies.
However, buying a preassembled bookcase hidden door can save you money in other ways, such as the time you get back. Both options improve your home and can potentially increase its resale value.
Hidden Bookcase Door Installation: DIY vs. Preassembled Fit
Both hidden doors have similar wall preparation requirements. The two-by-fours comprising the opening must be plumb, vertical and flat. The floor should also be flat.
Choose the preassembled bookcase hidden door if your wall opening has nonstandard dimensions, and you want more customization options and a fail-safe lock that can remain locked during a power outage.
Select the bookcase hidden door kit if you’re on a tight budget, want to receive the product sooner, prefer a unit that opens to 180 degrees and like a fail-safe lock that automatically unlocks during a power failure.
Faster production and cardboard packaging make DIY hidden bookcase door kits more affordable and readily available. Hidden Door Store typically has them in stock, so you can expect a shorter turnaround time.
Longevity and Upgrades
Hidden Door Store expects its bookcase hidden doors, whether preassembled or not, to last a long time. Both prehung and DIY hidden doors come with a 10-year no-nonsense warranty, covering all materials and parts from the date of shipping.
Several upgrades are available for the preassembled bookcase hidden door. You can switch to a stain-grade clear alder wood veneer, add lower flat, glass or shaker cabinet doors and more shelves, or opt for a freestanding version to match a traditional interior design style if , as the contemporary sensibility of a built-in piece looks out-of-place in your space.
You can request a light, medium or dark stain to avoid finishing the product at home. Finished products minimize volatile organic compounds that worsen preexisting respiratory conditions and maintain healthier indoor air quality.
Furthermore, you can add automatic opening and wireless activation capabilities with hidden switches to this prehung hidden door. Incorporating magnetic key entry entitles you to Hidden Door Store’s Anti-Burglary Guarantee.
You can also upgrade either hidden bookcase door by adding a secret switch. This brings a fun, movie-like element to your door since you can use anything from a piano key to a statue to operate it. Keep in mind that this requires batteries, so you will want to have extras or spare triggering devices handy. Wireless secret switch options include a remote control, tilt switch and keypad. Every upgrade affects the final bill. Customize your door’s design mindfully to avoid going over budget.
Deciding Whether the Standard Bookcase Door or Kit Is Right for You
Preassembled bookcase hidden doors appeal to those willing to pay extra for convenience, like busy homeowners and contractors. DIY hidden door kits are perfect for budget-conscious customers who don’t mind doing the heavy lifting to save cash or hobbyists who love working with their hands. To help you decide which fits your needs better, contact Hidden Door Store today to discuss your project.